I don't know why. This boggles my mind. People are weak to their lusts? In my experience, I think on a subtle level it had to do with energy draining/sharing/high... sort of mutual group vampirism... but it's hard for me to explain why I think that.
I think I would akin this to the priest molestation incidents seen in the Roman Catholic Church. This also happens in other religious cults...2) Why is it so awful ? (for those reading who might wonder what the fuss is about)
It is 'so bad' because, you the seeker, are looking for something 'more' something 'elusive' you are looking for a 'guide' to something 'more'. A teacher relationship requires honesty and trust on behalf of both student and teacher. You find yourself not only betrayed in a friendship, but in the name of a spiritual truth. These people have used the name of the God and Godess to take advantage of others. There are so many things wrong with that.
What I found most surprising in my case was the group... We were all friends for a few years before we started 'covening'. years. good friends. best friends. They were all eclectic pagans of various flavors, and I was younger. When I started asking each of them about paganism because I was curious It seemed like a good idea we all meet up for discussion, ritual, and teaching each other. There were several things that estranged me from this group... what sealed the deal for me was that these people called me friend, then condoned abuses done to me. AND to others in the group. No one stepped up to defend me, or the other victims in the group. I think I am the only one that left, I don't think anything has changed for them.3) What kind of things would need to happen to change it?
So, a solution to any self-respecting-human-being would be... outcry! If you see this happening, you should not only tell them its not kudos, but everyone in the community should know what has happened. Maybe a 'sexual predator' list of covens and or persons? Unfortunately, not everyone is attached to a network or a coven, but if they are: it is the predator who should be estranged not the victim.
Unfortunately, some groups seem to like being toxic, it is to their advantageThe rest of us can educate and warn others. And do what we can when we see it. Castration would be nice, but an unrealistic solution in our modern 'civilized' society. If someone breaks a law... i.e. involving a minor, rape, molestation etc. Authorities should be contacted. Otherwise, social castration is the only thing I can think of... I'm eager to hear other ideas on the matter.
It was hard for me, I lost my whole group of friends. I ran away from religion for a long time. I had no one to support me. I have only recently started talking about it (here). This is kind of helping... I see that I'm not the only one this kind of thing happens to... but that also makes me more mad. I wish that there was more I could do to keep this from happening to others...4) How best can people who have been through this kind of thing be supported?
My opinions on the matter are still quite bitter and enraged, as you can probably read in my responses.
Bookmarks